FCS game of the week: Weber State at North Dakota

Week 9 Matchup: No. 4 Weber State (5-2, 3-1 Big Sky) at No. 22 North Dakota (5-2 Independent)

Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET at Alerus Center (11,075) in Grand Forks, North Dakota

Broadcast: MidcoSports Network, Pluto TV Channel 241

Series: Weber State leads 2-1 (last meeting: North Dakota 27-19 on Oct. 29, 2016 in Grand Forks)

The Skinny: These two teams mirror each other in the desire to pound the run and play physical defense. Weber State gained its highest ranking ever this week. North Dakota, which left the Big Sky after last season and is an independent this season and next year, can still impact the title race because it’s playing a conference schedule that counts in the standings for the opponents.

Weber State’s defense, led by LB LeGrand Toia, is ranked No. 1 in the FCS in turnovers gained (22) and fumbles recovered (11) plus it tops the Big Sky in seven categories, including scoring defense (21.7 ppg) and total defense (334 ypg). Third downs have been a nightmare for the offenses at Weber State games – the Wildcats are last in the FCS with a 20.6 conversion percentage, but sixth defensively in holding opponents to 28.2 percent. Their offense features two excellent running backs, Josh Davis (699 yards, 4) and Treshawn Garrett (three TDs last game), although FB Brady May missed last Saturday’s 34-24 win over Montana State with an ankle injury. The special teams are outstanding with Davis and Rashid Shaheed on returns and PK Trey Tuttle.

North Dakota, which is on a three-game winning streak, hopes to overcome some key injuries, including All-America RB/RS John Santiago likely being sidelined by an ankle injury. The Fighting Hawks’ RB unit is deep, however, with James Johannesson and Brady Oliveira rushing for 213 and 171 yards, respectively, in a 41-15 win at Sacramento State last Saturday. The offense is fifth nationally in time of possession (33:45), with QB Nate Ketteringham (16 total TDs) directing the offense. The defense, which has 28 sacks, led by DE Mason Bennett (6.5 sacks), will pressure Weber State QB Jake Constantine, especially with CB Deion Harris locking down one side of the field. PK Brady Leach is only 3 of 7 on field goals.

Prediction: This is the kind of game in which one feels uneasy no matter the pick. The loud crowd could trouble Weber State’s struggling passing game, but the UND injuries are a concern as well. North Dakota, 21-20.